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'No justice for Ocalan'

"We see the stepping up of this campaign of insult and distortion just as we are preparing the central defence as a sign that our right to defend will be obstructed," a statement said.

Mr Ocalan's defence team has already complained of being physically attacked by both police and relatives of the victims of Kurdish violence.

Last week, they held a one-day boycott of the case in protest against pressure from the police.

His lawyers also say they have been denied proper access to him in prison, and have faced endless procedural restrictions by the court.

Delay follows commotion

The trial on the Turkish prison island of Imrali resumes on Tuesday.

State prosecutors will begin presenting their closing arguments. After that there is likely to be an adjournment before the defence presents its closing remarks.

It was adjourned on Friday after a defence lawyer requested that relatives of dead Kurdish militants be allowed to address the court.

The suggestion provoked uproar among the families of dead Turkish soldiers, who have been allowed to sit in on the hearing.

Apology

During the trial, which began on Monday, the Kurdish leader has apologised for the deaths of several thousand members of the Turkish security forces in the struggle with the PKK since 1985.

He has also offered to abandon the armed struggle, but warned the PKK, which he leads, could escalate the conflict if necessary.

Relevant Stories

Hatred for Ocalan runs high (06 Jun 99 | Europe)
Ocalan pleads for mercy (04 Jun 99 | Europe)
Ocalan lawyers boycott trial (03 Jun 99 | Europe)
Ocalan judge moved to tears (02 Jun 99 | Europe)
Face to face with Ocalan (02 Jun 99 | From Our Own Correspondent)
PKK backs Ocalan peace call (02 Jun 99 | Europe)
Ocalan urges end to fighting (01 Jun 99 | Europe)
The story of Ocalan's arrest (20 Feb 99 | From Our Own Correspondent)
Turkish justice in the spotlight (17 Feb 99 | Europe)

Internet Links

Republic of Turkey
Kurdish Workers' Party
Kurdistan Information Network
Ocalan Defence Team

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